Definitions

fear

[feer] / fɪər /

NOUN

alarm

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alarm angst anxiety apprehension awe concern despair dismay doubt dread horror jitters panic scare suspicion terror unease uneasiness worry

STRONG

abhorrence agitation apprehensiveness aversion consternation cowardice creeps discomposure disquietude distress faintheartedness fearfulness foreboding fright funk misgiving nightmare phobia presentiment qualm reverence revulsion timidity trembling trepidation

WEAK

chickenheartedness cold feet cold sweat recreancy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

assurance calmness cheer confidence contentment ease encouragement faith happiness joy trust

STRONG

calm comfort liking love

WEAK

bravery courage fearlessness heroism unconcern

VERB

feel alarm; be scared of

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anticipate avoid dread expect foresee shun suspect worry

STRONG

apprehend blanch cower crouch falter flinch fret quail quaver shrink shudder shy start tremble wilt

WEAK

be afraid be anxious be apprehensive be disquieted be frightened be in awe break out in a sweat dare not feel concern have butterflies have qualms lose courage

Antonyms

STRONGEST

face meet want

STRONG

calm steady stretch

WEAK

brave

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fear of Covid triggered border closures that caused a plunge in trade with China, North Korea’s main benefactor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Two-time Oscar winner Adrien Brody made his Broadway debut in “The Fear of 13,” reprising his acclaimed Olivier-nominated London performance.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Fear of higher interest rates is not a good reason to avoid investment-grade bonds.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

Fear might have lit Ruben's touchpaper, but now everyone is standing too far back to stamp it out.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Fear kept coming back, sprouting up anew as soon as Anya frayed those threads away.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

fear

Example Sentences

Related Words